How to protect your car’s timing belt to make it last longer?

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First of all, what is a timing belt and why is it important to your car engine?

It is basically a belt — typically rubber with high tensile fibres — that synchronizes the rotation of the crankshaft and the camshaft in the engine so that the valves open and close at the proper times during each cylinder’s intake and exhaust strokes, so that the engine of a vehicle can run. In other words, the timing belt keeps the camshaft and crankshaft of the car engine turning at the correct rate.

It is such a critical part of the engine that if the timing belt breaks, the engine will simply no longer work. This is actually the best case scenario.

Because in some engines, one or more valves may be stuck when the belt snaps, while the pistons will move upwards forcefully, crashing into the open valves. So, your engine will likely suffer from some broken valves and pistons. Worse yet is that the engine may be ruined altogether. This happens if the valves and rods push through the engine cover, while the pistons crash through oil pans as the crankshaft twists and breaks.

All in all, it can be bad and expensive news if the timing belt breaks. That is why car owners are recommended to change their timing belts at regular intervals to prevent breakage and slippages.

While changing the timing belt is unavoidable, there is a way to protect it so it can last longer, thus reducing the need for frequent replacement. As with most everything in life, maintenance is key.

For the timing belt, all it takes is a few sprays of the WD-40® Specialist™ Automotive Belt Dressing. It penetrates the cord fibers of the belts to restore pliability and flexibility, and helps to eliminate squeaking and slipping.

To apply, start the engine. Then pick up the can of WD-40® Specialist™ Automotive Belt Dressing with its yellow straw attached and shake it well, before spraying the product lightly on the inner working surface of the belt — near the smallest or upmost pulley. Avoid spraying on the pulley directly.

Then, let the engine run a few minutes for the dressing to set. The solution can be reapplied if needed.

These simple steps are all that is needed to give your timing belt a longer life span.

To know more, check out the Specialist™ automotive line-up at

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